Bus Driver Of The Year Tries To Make ‘Ride As Pleasant As Possible’

The Pennsbury School District’s bus driver of the year isn’t originally from around here, but he certainly has made it home.

“As a young boy, [bus driver Thomas McGoldrick] knew the horrors of war. He ran for the bomb shelters as the air warden sirens sounded,” Pennsbury Director of Transportation Charlie Williams said.

During those trying times just outside of Glasgow, Scotland, McGoldrick first got a taste of American culture while growing up during World War II. He met American soldiers and began to learn the culture through playing with the troops and watching popular movies.

Due to economic conditions, 17-year bus driver McGoldrick immigrated to the U.S. from his hometown decades ago. He first lived in New Jersey and joined the U.S. Army, serving in Germany during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After serving the country, he started a family in the Pennsbury School District and began working at a trucking company. He traveled the country and learned of its vast diversity before becoming a driver for Pennsbury in 2002.

Williams stated that McGoldrick is dedicated to his job, kind, and has a sense of humor.

Aside from transporting students safely, he enjoys playing music and has been a member of the local Tri-County Band for the past 52 years.

“I have to admit outside of him admirably performing his duties for years. I knew little about him before tonight,” Williams said, citing McGoldrick’s fascinating life story.

“I thank you for honoring me as driver of the year,” McGoldrick said.

“I try and make their ride as pleasant as possible,” he said. “I love the kids.”

To his peers in the transportation department and the students he drives, McGoldrick is known for using the phrase:  “What seems to be the major malfunction?”

McGoldrick conceded that middle schoolers are his biggest challenge.

“You have to remain as calm as you can,” he said with a smile.